For many of us, mountain biking isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way of life. The feeling you get as you speed along the forest trails is like no other. But sometimes, your trip can can take an unexpected turn. Your bike can break, the weather can turn or you or even your own body can rebel if you’re exhausted.
Whether you’re planning to journey farther and faster into the backcountry or just out out for a quick blast, here are a few mountain bike accessories you should have on hand. These mountain bike accessories will make your ride more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
Cycling jersey
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Wearing a cycling jersey isn’t necessary while riding a bike. It’s fine to wear a shirt if you’re comfortable wearing one. But since you sweat a lot while on the bike, I highly recommend that you invest on a good quality cycling jersey.
Cycling jerseys offer features you won’t find in a t-shirt. They are made of soft, moisture-wicking fabric that helps keep you dry and cool even on the hottest days of the year. They also keep you warm on cool days. Jerseys are tight-fitting, so they’ll stay in place as you move around the bike. Throw away that heavy, cotton t-shirt back in the drawer, and get yourself a cycling jersey.
Riding shorts
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Cycling shorts are a necessity anytime you hop on the bike. The advantage of these skin-tight pants are plentiful. Not only do they make you look devoted to the sport, they are also designed to make your ride comfortable.
The shorts have flat seams and bacteria-fighting crotch liners, which protect your groin area from chafing and irritation. The shorts look like street clothes, but they offer both comfort and function on the bike.
Protective glasses
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Mountain biking is a sport that is a mixture of careful maneuvering, exploration, and hard physical activity. You need to protect your eyes from sun glare, wind, dust, and flying debris.
Protective glasses are important for field of vision and protection. When buying a pair of protective glasses, look for a product that blocks out 75-90% of visible light in bright sun. Also, choose sunglasses that fit the size and shape of your face. That way, you’ll look good, see the road clearly, and protect yourself from elements and debris.
Helmet
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A helmet is one of the most important mountain bike accessories. It provides safety and protection from head injuries. It also provides the necessary protection in case of a fall or crash. Despite its importance, you’d be surprised how many cyclists ride their bike without a helmet on.
It’s fine if you’re just riding around the city at slow speed, but if you’re out on the trail, helmets are a must. There are lots of hazards and plenty of downhill action. Wearing a helmet can reduce and prevent serious head injuries. You invested a huge sum of money on your bike, so please invest on a good quality helmet.
Cycling gloves
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Some people feel uncomfortable wearing gloves, but there are many good reasons for wearing them. They help alleviate numbness and soreness in your hands, protect your skin in case of an accidental dismount, and help you maintain grip on the bars when things get hot and sweaty.
Biking puts a lot of stress on your hands. If you’ve never ridden with a pair of cycling gloves, I urge you to give them a try.
Cycling hydration pack
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Hydration packs are a lot like standard packs for hiking. They have ample space and accommodate extra gears such as bike tools and clothing. Plus, they include hydration reservoir that makes drinking easy. Most packs include a tube that’s connected to the water reservoir, so you don’t have stop or slow down to take a sip of water.
It is incredibly important to stay hydrated while cycling. Hydration packs come in a variety of sizes. When shopping for a hydration pack, choose one that can carry enough water and gear to meet your needs.
Multi-tool
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It’s a total bummer to be out in the open and you need to make fix or adjustment. This is where a multi-tool comes in handy.
A multi-tool that includes screwdrivers, a chain tool, hex heads, and Torx T-25 head is a bare minimum. With these tools, you can fix pretty much anything that breaks on your bike. It can help you pry off a recalcitrant tire in a pinch, tighten bolts and cleats, and make on-the-fly adjustments to seat height.
Whether you’re shredding singletrack in the backcountry or just riding on the road with your buddy, always pack a multi-tool. It could save you a long walk back to the trailhead.
Digital tire pressure gauge
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Checking your tire pressure should be a part of mountain bike maintenance. Why? It’s because your tire pressure is the biggest influence on your bike’s ride quality. Tire pressure fluctuates as temperature changes. That means your tire pressure may change throughout the day. That’s why it’s important to check your tire pressure regularly.
There are different types of tire pressure gauges out there, but the digital gauge provides the highest level of accuracy. The pressure is calculated by a digital sensor.
High-powered handheld pump
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A bike pump is one of the most basic, mandatory mountain bike accessories every cyclist should own. Sooner or later, you’re going to get a flat tire. When that happens, you want to make sure you have a portable bike pump on hand.
Handheld pumps are designed for emergency purposes. These pumps are capable of inflating the common bike tire sizes, so you can get back on the road or trail in a jiffy. Make sure you carry a portable bike pump with you when your go out on your bike.
Riding buddy
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Technically, a riding buddy isn’t a bike accessory, but there is a lot to gain from cycling with a partner. It helps you find the motivation that powers you through your workout. Also, riding with a buddy makes cycling more fun and enjoyable. It makes miles go by faster and keeps your mind off muscular fatigue. You’ll spend less time looking at your clock and more time interacting with your buddy. Most importantly, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that someone will help you in cases of emergency.
Tips for buying mountain bike accessories
Safety should be your top priority when riding a bike. Invest in good quality protective equipment, and make sure they fit well.
Mountain bike accessories can be costly. If you are just starting out and you’re still not certain if you like mountain biking, you may want to stay away from top-of-the-line equipment. We understand that you want good quality accessories. But it would be a waste to spend hundreds of dollars on a piece of equipment, and then realize later on that you’re not into mountain biking.